Hello, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. Today, we’re diving into the world of Jam Shortbread Bars, a simple, yet utterly satisfying dessert that not only delights but also warms the heart. Whether you’re a seasonal baker or just looking for a quick recipe to impress family and friends, these bars are a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. Let’s get those ovens preheated and our mixing bowls ready!
Why You’ll Love This Jam Shortbread Bars
You might be wondering what makes these Jam Shortbread Bars so special. First off, they’re ridiculously easy to make and require minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of buttery shortbread and luscious jam creates a harmony of flavors and textures that feels luxurious without fuss.
Think about those blissful moments when you bite into the soft crumbly shortbread and then taste the burst of fruity sweetness from your favorite jam. Each bar is like a little bite of sunshine, perfect for elevating any afternoon tea or sweetening up your coffee break. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, your choice of jam, and a splash of vanilla extract, you can whip these up in no time!
Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or let them cool slightly, these bars are sure to become a new favorite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming of new jam flavors to explore!
How to Prepare Jam Shortbread Bars
Now that you’re excited, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make these delectable Jam Shortbread Bars. Grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of your choice of jam (think strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even fig!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Feel free to use a hand mixer if you want, whipping air into the mixture will elevate your bars’ texture!
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Take half of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This will serve as your beautiful base.
- Spread your choice of jam over the dough layer; make sure to cover it nicely so every bite has that delicious jam flavor.
- Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the top of the jam, making sure to spread it evenly for that perfect balance!
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bars are golden brown on top. Take a peek near the 20-minute mark, you want that crisp perfection!
- Allow the bars to cool down in the pan for a bit before slicing them into squares or rectangles. Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with warm baked goods!
Best Ways to Serve Jam Shortbread Bars
Serving these delightful bars is a breeze! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a treat with your morning coffee, here are some serving suggestions:
- Classic Style: Serve these bars plain as a sweet snack or dessert. They’re naturally delicious on their own!
- With Ice Cream: Top your warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Garnish: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
- Pair with Tea or Coffee: These bars make an excellent companion to your afternoon tea or a cup of coffee. Feel free to experiment with different jam flavors to complement your beverage choices.
Storage Tips for Jam Shortbread Bars
So you’ve made a batch and there are leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep your Jam Shortbread Bars fresh:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy them within a couple of days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to use an airtight container to prevent moisture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Jam Shortbread Bars
Want to take your Jam Shortbread Bars to the next level? Here are some expert tips to help you achieve that perfect bake:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter whips up better and gives your bars that beautiful texture.
- Jamming It Up: Experiment with different jams and preserves. You can use homemade jams for a personal touch or explore store-bought options for convenience.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, nobody wants that!
Delicious Variations of Jam Shortbread Bars
Want to change things up a bit? Here are some fun variations to try with your Jam Shortbread Bars:
- Nutty Goodness: Add finely chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the dough for an extra crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the bars are cooled, drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a hint of citrus flavor that beautifully complements the jam.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden brown color on top and a slight puffiness. You can also do the toothpick test; if it comes out mostly clean, they’re ready!
3. Can I use homemade jam in this recipe?
Yes, homemade jam is perfect for these bars! Just make sure it’s spreadable and not too runny for the best results.
And there you have it, a delightful recipe for Jam Shortbread Bars that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Jam Shortbread Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Jam Shortbread Bars, featuring buttery shortbread and luscious jam for a perfect sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of your choice of jam
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press half of the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread your choice of jam over the dough layer.
- Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the top of the jam.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Notes
Experiment with different jam flavors and consider drizzling with chocolate after cooling for added decadence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg